Yili Group joins IDF Paris manifesto, sets carbon neutrality goals

CHINA – Yili Group, under the leadership of Executive President Liu Chunxi, is solidifying its commitment to sustainability through various initiatives, including joining the IDF Paris Manifesto. 

In an exclusive interview, Liu elaborated on Yili’s forward-thinking approaches, emphasizing carbon neutrality, food security, and nutrition, which he believes are integral to the future of the global dairy industry.

At the recent IDF World Dairy Summit, Yili presented its theme, “Embracing a Greener, Brighter Dairy Future,” reflecting its innovative capabilities and dedication to sustainable development.

Liu Chunxi remarked, “Yili is committed to taking effective actions to reduce carbon emissions, enhance resource utilization, and promote green and sustainable development.” 

By aligning with The Paris Dairy Declaration on Sustainability, Yili aims to contribute to a low-carbon, sustainable future for the dairy industry.

One of the key milestones for Yili has been earning a Grade AA in the 2024 ESG ratings from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), making it the highest-rated Chinese dairy producer in terms of sustainability. 

Liu highlighted this achievement, stating, “This recognition underscores our efforts in sustainable development and our resolve to drive further progress in the industry.”

Yili’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated by its ambitious carbon neutrality goals.

 In 2022, the company became the first in China’s food industry to set carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets, with a roadmap to achieve industrial chain-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.

Already, Yili has reduced its carbon emissions by 43,000 tons in 2023 compared to the previous year.

The company’s innovative efforts span the entire supply chain. In the upstream sector, Yili has introduced the Dairy Nutrition Assessment System (DNAS) and promoted probiotic feed additives to reduce nitrogen excretion and methane emissions from dairy cows. 

The company has also implemented a circular development model, integrating planting and breeding practices.

In the midstream sector, Yili is focusing on green manufacturing, with 20 factories now equipped with distributed photovoltaic power stations as part of the company’s shift toward clean energy.

Additionally, Yili has enhanced the energy efficiency of its factories by upgrading steam boilers and reducing power consumption.

Yili is also making strides in environmentally friendly packaging, with FSC-certified materials and plant-based bottle caps. 

Its brand, Satine, recently launched a green, low-carbon milk product, using packaging with the natural hue of paper pulp, reducing the need for ink.

 Liu emphasized Yili’s continuous innovation in this area, noting, “We have completed the carbon footprint assessment for all core products and pioneered China’s first ‘net-zero carbon milk,’ ‘net-zero carbon yogurt,’ and other products.”

The company’s efforts extend beyond environmental sustainability to food security and nutrition.

Yili collaborates with global universities and research institutions to drive product innovation, leading to groundbreaking products like Satine Active Lactoferrin Organic Pure Milk, which retains over 90% of lactoferrin, compared to the previous 10% in room-temperature milk.

Recognizing the global challenges of food security and nutrition, Liu explained, “Yili is committed to enriching the nutritional value of our products. We aim to provide nutritional support for all populations and all life cycles, combating hidden hunger and promoting global health.”

Looking ahead, Yili aims to continue its role as a leader in the dairy industry’s sustainable transformation. 

Liu stated, “Sustainable development is not only the leading trend but also a long-term philosophy for Yili. By embracing a strategic mindset, we are working towards achieving carbon neutrality across the industrial chain by 2050.” 

Yili is also mobilizing efforts across its global supply chain, having established the first “Net Zero Carbon Alliance” with 88 strategic partners to build a green ecosystem in the dairy industry.

Winning the prestigious World Dairy Innovation Award for ‘Innovation in New Product – Human Nutrition’ has further validated Yili’s efforts. Liu expressed his pride in the accolade, saying, “

These awards encourage us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. Only through continuous innovation can we drive the transformation of the dairy industry and create more value for consumers.”

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